Although not as well known as Kakadu, this compact national park also features spectacular scenery including gorges and waterfalls. Litchfield National Park is only 45 minutes from Darwin and many travellers visit as a day trip. Because Litchfield is smaller and closer to Darwin than Kakadu, it can become more crowded, but it is still a worthwhile trip.
Because the park is accessible by sealed roads, it is easy to visit year-round but most 4WD tracks within the park are closed during the wet season and some swimming spots are closed after heavy rain.
There are several short hiking trails in the park, mostly 1–3km long; the more spectacular trails go past waterfalls, for which Litchfield is famous.
Litchfield’s waterfalls include the Florence, Tjaynera, Tolmer and Wangi Falls. These pretty waterfalls are fantastic swimming spots. Many people also take a dip in the popular Buley Rockhole, but swimming is not permitted in the Reynolds River.
Coming & going & local transport
Hostels in Darwin can book tours to Litchfield. One-day tours generally cost around $100 and visit all the main sights. Two-day tours are only a little more expensive (around $135) and offer a better opportunity to experience the park.
Tour companies running tours of Litchfield National Park from Darwin include AAT Kings, Goanna Eco Tours, Kakadu Dreams, Top End Escapes and Wallaroo Eco Tours.
Accommodation
Most people stay in hostels in Darwin and visit Litchfield as a day trip, although camping is possible within the park. The main camping sites are located at Buley Rockhole, Walker Creek, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls. The Wangi Falls campground is the most crowded, but has better facilities than the others.